By John D. Bliffen
My favorite Christmas memories are from the years when the kids were young. From the years of 1986-1995 we were beginning missionaries in Uruguay with Team Expansion, and Christmas celebrations were very important and impactful for our growing family.
I remember one of those years, probably 1990, when our neighbors invited us to celebrate Christmas Eve with them. We gladly accepted the invitation without knowing what that would entail. As the time got closer, we told them that our kids had done a nativity scene in a Christmas play at the English-speaking church that we attended. They said, “Oh that’s great, let’s do that on Christmas Eve!” We agreed and then asked what time we should do that. They said, “let’s do the nativity at 11:00pm right before we eat.”
Now for us Americans, we usually get the kids to bed early on Christmas Eve, so they can wake up early on Christmas morning. But everything was opposite in Uruguay. It was summertime in the southern hemisphere, the nights were longer, and the people stayed up late. Christmas Eve supper was celebrated right at midnight.
So, we got Marie and J.T. dressed up as Mary and Joseph, and our neighbor kids were dressed as the shepherds. The kids were sleepy, but excited by this new adventure. After a short presentation on our front porch, it was time to go to the neighbors’ house, but Becky and the kids stayed home because our kids were ready for bed. As I entered the house the smell of the meat overtook me, in the best way. The father had been cooking roasted lamb and grilled beef sausages. Right at midnight, fireworks were set off behind the house and the whole neighborhood lit up with Roman candles. We sat down to eat the feast just after midnight and were not done at the table until 1:00am. By that time I was worn out, but the party was not done for the Uruguayans. A few gifts were exchanged among the adults, and people continued to visit and tell stories.
After the meal I excused myself and went back home. The kids had slept through all the fireworks, and Becky was able to finish up our gift wrapping. The next day we didn’t get up early, but we did celebrate Christmas morning with the story of Christ’s birth and giving gifts, just like every year, to maintain our own family traditions.
Another different tradition in Uruguay is that the major gift giving for kids is done on January 6, Three Kings Day. This is in reference to when the Wise Men brought gifts to baby Jesus. Instead of putting out cookies for Santa Claus, the Uruguayan children put out hay and water for the camels who bring the Three Kings, who bring the gifts. They also put out shoes or boots for the Three Kings for their long journey.
Celebrating Christmas in Latin American cultures is very interesting with very different customs, but the biblical truth of the incarnation of Jesus, Emmanuel, is the same, and it is the central truth for our Christmas celebrations always!
John Bliffen is a professor of practical ministries and missions at Mid-South Christian College and director of Latino Christian Movement.
Author: Christian Standard
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